Why did art decline so rapidly from the high achievements of the 18th and 19th century into the shoddy workmanship and even incomprehensibility of 20th century art? If you've ever wondered, read this book.

The Boston Painters 1900-1930

Turning their backs on modernism, the Boston-based painters covered in this artfully produced album prized a cult of beauty built on exacting craftsmanship and direct observation of nature.